Los Angeles
 

Taking my 14 yr. old son to LA for a week in April and looking for help with best location for our base hotel. Must dos are both Getty's, Hollywood, seeing a show or studio lot, other museums, beach and people watching. No real interest in power shopping and theme parks. Will have a car and might want to do a 2 - day coast drive up to the Hearst Castle or other spot north of LA. We've done the San Diego area before. When in LA, we would like a hotel that had free or reasonably priced parking. Safe and convenient location is the priority. Any ideas on how to lay out our 6 full days to make the best use of our time would be appreciated. We will arrive and depart on Sundays. Also, wouldn't mind doing a unique tour or a good hop on/off options that hits the major spots.

He's not interested in a theme park? Really? I'd offer him a day at one anyway. You might be surprised. I have three kids...they are top students but would all jump for a theme park in a heartbeat. Of course Universal Studios is both a theme park and a studio lot, so that could meet your criteria.

If I were to pick a museum for teens, on the science side first choice hands down is La Brea Tar Pits. For arts and humanities, the Huntington offers a wide variety of art, the gardens and also a Gutenberg Bible, a First Folio of Shakespeare.

What's your hotel budget?

Your list of sights covers a lot of geography, but central to most would be West L.A./Westwood/Century City. Santa Monica gets recommended here often, but I'm just not a fan and it's inconvenient for Hollywood, studio tours and museums other than the Gettys. West Hollywood is another option, but it's far from the Getty Villa and beaches.

I don't think you'll find free parking in any of these areas. What is "reasonably priced" is your call, and you'll have to check the hotels for their rates.

IMO, Hearst Castle would be a little far for a 2-day trip unless it's all about the drive. It's nearly 5 hours each way. If you have your heart set on Hearst Castle, look into flying home from Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. In fact, even if you don't drive all the way to Hearst Castle, look into flying home from SB or SLO. Don't drive back to LAX unless you must.

Thanks for the tips. Would like the hotel to be under $200 per night since we need to stay 6 nights. I'm ok with Century City/Westwood or West LA for location if those areas are more affordable and still safe. Also, ok with splitting the nights at 2 hotels.
Any other ideas besides the Hearst Castle? Heart is not set on it. We're also good with spending all the time in and around LA (Pasadena, etc) as it sounds like we could easily fill 6 days. Thanks!

There's a Residence in on Beverly Blvd. which is pretty centrally located and should fit within your budget. I agree with Jean that you won't find a centrally-located place with free parking.

As for the studio show tapings, there are very few which allow kids under 18. Check www.tvtickets.com and www.tvtix.com. Other than that, the Warner Brother's Studio Tour might be interesting.

The California Science Center has a Mummy exhibit right now- not sure if it lasts thru April, though. Other suggestions: La Brea Tarpits, Peterson Automotive Museum, Griffith Observatory, Autry Museum of the American West.

A Bicycle ride along the beach is also a fun SoCal experience: http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-bay-bi...l-santa-monica

I can't add to the hotels question, but I always recommend my favorite seafood place whenever I hear of someone driving north from LA! Malibu Seafood is half a fish shop selling fresh fish and half a casual eatery with picnic tables outside. The tuna burgers are one of the best things I've ever eaten. :)
www.malibuseafood.com

For free parking, you probably need to be out of the Hollywood area. We have stayed a few times at the Marriott Courtyard, Marina del Rey location. It has free parking and would probably be about $159 lowest rate. Definitely a safe neighborhood.

Another one I like personally is the Inn at Venice Beach. It is more characteristic and more "L.A." and young in style. Should be under $200, parking is only about $8/day, continental breakfast included. From there, you can walk at the beach for long distances.

Have you checked to see if you can get free tickets to any of the shows taping when you are there? Problem is, many of them are limited to age 18+.

I forgot another show taping website www.on-camera-audiences.com/ Most of these sites only release 30 days worth of schedules, so you may have to wait until March to see what's available. The Disney Channel and other shows that allow the under-18 crowd usually "sell" out fast. I think On-Camera allows you to sign up for email alerts to notify you when certain tickets become available.

With that budget, a 14 year old, and safe and convenient factor, two places come to mind that would work and have free parking, other than the Residence Inn at Pico & Beverly previously mentioned in this thread: the Holiday Inn Express on Olympic at Century Park West (Century City area)and the Royal Palace Westwood on Tiverton in Westwood Village. Both areas have possibly the lowest crime in the City of Los Angeles. The Westwood property is, in my view, better located, since it's full of UCLA students walking around late at night, decent restaurants for whatever the purse allows (from the student budget up). The area is surrounded by multi-million dollar homes, and young and old alike make this area relatively vibrant. You will see the Bruin and the Village historic movie theatres, where there has often been premieres (in fact there's going to be a rather big spectacle coming up soon for the soon to be released 3D Harry Potter). The outside of the Royal Palace looks like a dated apartment complex, but it is a choice place for parents visiting their kids and parents & kids touring UCLA, and I understand the rooms are pleasant and updated, and they have complimentary breakfast.

The Holiday Inn Express is on a noisy street (Olympic), is in a great area, but not convenient to walk anywhere other than the Westfield Century City mall and the Ralphs Supermarket across the street. It is, however, 2 blocks from Beverly Hills, and right in the middle of all the places you want to head to: Santa Monica to the West (12 minute drive); the Getty to the Northwest (12 minute drive); Hollywood to the East (20 minute drive). 20th Century Fox Studios is virtually behind the property. There's a hop-on, hop off bus that goes down Pico 4 blocks away. I haven't looked at the route, but I think it goes through Century City, and I know there's a stop at Pico & Selby, across from the Westside Pavillion shopping mall.

Look at the Hotel Angeleno which is at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and the 405 freeway. It's very near the Getty Center although not walking distance to any restaurants or shops. Brentwood and Westwood are close, and Sunset Boulevard provides great access east to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood and west to the Getty Villa and beaches.

Thanks for all the great info. I'm leaning towards the Residence Inn on Beverly but was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the Brentwood Inn? I've read some good reviews - sounds like it might be a good option for us but would like a little more feedback.

The Le Parc in West Hollywood is where we always stay now that DS and DDIL live in WeHo. It is centrally located and the rooms are suites w/a separate LR and tiny kitchenette. If you ask for the B&B rate, you can get free parking and a full daily (very good!) breakfast for $239/nt. Close to the price you want, esp when you consider the included brkfst.

We just came back from staying there last week, and since this was ~ our 5th time staying there, I began to realize that we were recognizing familiar faces among the employees. When one woman brought our room service brkfst (a luxury I *love* that is only an extra $3 fee over eating in the rstrnt), I mentioned the familiar faces. She told me that many of them have worked there for upwards of 20 years. A good recommendation for a place is low staff turnover!

Note to Surfergirl.....we stayed for 3 months in a VRBO rental directly across Olympic (from that Holiday Inn you mention) and it seemed that it would be hard to imagine it being 2 blocks to any part of Beverly Hills from that location. It *was* very convenient to one of the Big Blue bus lines that went down Olympic and let you off on streets like Camden or Rodeo that were just a 2 or 3 block walk up to Wilshire and the main shopping areas of BH, but that was only after you had taken a 10-15 minute bus ride to get into BH.

@socialworker: Rodeo Drive is in the middle of Beverly Hills. West end of Beverly Hills is directly east of Century City at Spalding Drive. Beverly High School playing field is at the corner of Olympic & Spalding, about 2 blocks east of Century Park West on Olympic, 1 block east of Century Park East. Roxbury Park is one more block at Olympic & Roxbury.

It may be a 10 - 15 min. bus ride to get into the well-known commercial part of Beverly Hills, but it's also a five minute bike ride or 10 minute walk from the Holiday Inn Express to the boundaries of the City of Beverly Hills.

The OP wasn't looking for "the main shopping areas", but even in a car, it's not going to take 10 to 15 minutes to get to those shopping destinations from the Holiday Inn Express, unless stuck in Friday afternoon traffic.

You asked about the Brentwood Inn. Their website looks great.

I have noticed this property for years, as it is on my favorite stretch of Sunset Blvd, and we have thought of staying there but haven't yet. It is definitely on my list of places to try. Talk about a safe neighborhood! Gorgeous homes in this area.

It is laid out like a motel, and you park in front of your room, more or less.

You would need a car in this area. But it would be a very cool part of town to show your son. UCLA is close by, as is Rodeo Drive, Malibu isn't too far, the ocean is reasonably close, etc. Hollywood would be a drive, but nothing is close to EVERYTHING in L.A.

I prefer the Brentwood Inn location over the others mentioned. Are prices good there?

P.S. Free parking at the Brentwood Inn, too.

I am a huge fan of the Brentwood Inn. I stay there when I need an overnight for work in that part of Los Angeles (live in San Diego County). Parking is free and it's very convenient to be right in front of your room. They have a continental breakfast in the morning and the staff is so nice. It's close to Santa Monica and the west side of Los Angeles. Very convenient to the Getty Museum and the 405 Freeway if you want to go to Burbank for a taping or to Universal Studios. They are doing construction on the Sunset Blvd bridge at the 405 so not sure how that is affecting the on and off ramps. I don't think it's a problem.

The main advantage of the Residence Inn on Pico is that it puts you a little bit closer to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and the museums on Wilshire Blvd. There can be heavy traffic leaving the Westside heading east so you'd have a few less miles to deal with that. That said, I'd probably go for the Brentwood Inn.

When I was talking about heavy traffic going east that would be the afternoon traffic. You'd get the same traffic heading west in the morning. So if you were at the Residence Inn and were going to the Getty in the morning, you'd get the traffic there. If the Brentwood Inn gives you a good price, I'd go for it.

I'm an L.A. native and work in Beverly Hills. I'd take the Brentwood Inn, the Angeleno, the Palomar or the Thompson over the Residence Inn on Pico... in a heartbeat. I had not mentioned the Brentwood Inn, Palomar or Thompson because of your $200 budget, but, if you can stretch it a bit, you'll find many more options. Just keep taxes and possible parking fees in mind.

This may be too down market for you, but the Holiday Inn Express- Marina del Rey has been renovated recently. It is the same ownership as the Inn at Venice Beach, where I like to stay because of its beach location.

This Holiday Inn Express has free parking, free in-room wi-fi, free hot breakfast buffet, and an outdoor pool/spa (probably rooftop). Rates are very good, definitely under $200.

I just priced it for my visit in November, three nights for one person, and a queen was $142 w/ the freebies.

Might be a good place for a teen. He can fill up on breakfast, and can walk to Venice beach and/or Marina del Rey.

Also bike rentals at the hotel.

Just thought I'd mention it.

It's on Washington Blvd. which is a busy street, but other than that, it is a good location.

http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/e...questid=217862

PeaceOut-That's a very good price for the Holiday Inn Express. My only problem with this hotel is that the location will mean more driving for the OP. The traffic on the 405 where it intersects with the Marina Del Rey Freeway is always slow and in rush hour at a dead stop. I know you wouldn't have to get on the freeway to go to Santa Monica but you'd still use the 405 to get to Hollywood, Pasadena, downtown LA, etc.

I looked at prices for the Brentwood Inn for April and looks like a double/twin room is going for $189 a night and the room with 2 twins for $179 plus tax. Seems like a good price to me. They may offer Auto Club discount if you have it. I think I've used it there but not sure. The hotel Angeleno is running $169 a night or $152 with AAA but parking is $20 a night. So that puts it comparable to the Brentwood Inn. If I stayed at the Angeleno, I'd ask for a high floor and on the side away from the freeway.

You guys rock! We live in DC so we are used to traffic - 1 hour to go 10 miles is our life on the east coast too. I believe the Brentwood Inn is looking better and better. We like off the beaten path spots and usually stay at non mainstream/non chain spots when we go to NYC. Might stay in Marina del Rey the last night or 2 to put us closer to LAX the morning of our departure. With 7 nights, I have to problem moving hotels once.

Is the Angeleno at 405 and Sunset? Because there is construction there, right?

(Note I priced the Holiday Inn Express for just one person, so it would be more for two, I suspect, since breakfast is included.)

Maybe the Brentwood is coming out ahead? I want to stay there myself, the next time I go and have a car.

My visit in November I will be at the Inn at Venice Beach, and I will be relying on my son and his car (and borrowing his bike for my beach rides!)

You need help laying out your six-day itinerary, too. Perhaps a local can help with that. I am completely dyslexic when it comes to directions.

My son and I recently visited the Getty Villa, and we enjoyed it. Be sure to get on-line reservations in advance. They are free, but you might pay for parking (I don't recall). There is a nice outdoor cafe there, for a snack or lunch. The collection of antiquities there is amazing. Especially the art glass.

If you are interested in looking at colleges this early, you could visit Loyola Marymount University. A beautiful Jesuit campus above Marina del Rey. And UCLA is a world-class campus, of course. Also Pepperdine is a favorite of many.

For meals, our all-time dinner fav is the Charthouse, Malibu. Maybe because we have been going there since the early 70s! It has awesome views, food is good, prices are reasonable. A typical So Cal vibe. (Could be updated, but what the heck.)

Also Gladstones 4 Fish has a fantastic outdoor patio above the ocean, and is a great place for lunch.

C&O Trattoria at Venice Beach is a fun family place for Italian. I recommend it for anyone feeding teens, because its complimentary garlic rolls are crowd pleasers. Prices are very good. Not fine dining, but fun.

If your son wants to try surfing, Zuma Beach is above Malibu. There's a surf shop across from the beach, where your son could rent gear and give it a try. Not sure what kind of weather you will have, though.

Maybe your son is interested in the legendary Sunset Strip? The Roxy is still there, and some other classics for live music.

You could drive to the mountains, if you don't mind a long day of it. Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead would be a decent day-trip, if you leave early enough.

Have fun! We love L.A., even though it's crazy out there!

Yes the Angeleno is at Sunset and the 405. It's the same exit you use to go to Brentwood Inn but it seems the off and on ramps are OK. Someone who drives that way more often can give better info.

Like I said before, I love the Brentwood Inn but one downside is that there aren't any restaurants within walking distance. You'd have to drive to Brentwood, Santa Monica, etc for a meal and finding parking can be an issue. I'm not trying to talk you out of the hotel but wanted to let you know. The Angeleno would have the same situation. I am not really familiar with the Royal Palace in Westwood except for the location but I looked at their prices and reviews. It's an older property but great location, free parking and you could get a mini-suite for less than the Brentwood Inn. The advantage of this hotel is you could walk around Westwood in the evening for dinner. There is traffic getting in and out of the Westwood area but sounds like traffic isn't an issue for you. You might want to check out this hotel, also. Not as charming as the Brentwood Inn but seems like a good value.

Westwood is kind of a madhouse, though. Not sure I'd want to stay in the midst of it.

I was wondering about construction noise and dust at the Angeleno?

There is always the Inn at Venice Beach. They have a loft room. $7/day covered parking, free continental breakfast in the inner courtyard. The people who work there have always been really nice. Also for your teen, there are free cookies in the lobby. Also coffee.

It is one block from Venice Beach. Lots of restaurants within walking distance. Funky so cal atmosphere. Renovated and clean.

A week is a long time for two people to stay in one room even if you are out for most of the day. A separate living room is really great to have! I encourage you to at least look at the Le Parc website.

http://www.leparcsuites.com/

Also it is in a nice residential neighborhood while simultaneously being a short walk to many stores and restaurants.

Brentwood Inn is good, but keep in mind that the Sunset Bridge over the 405 is undergoing rebuilding, so you want to steer clear of that area if possible. Brentwood Inn, you could go down Bundy or Barrington to San Vicente, then east to Wilshire or West to the beach.

I agree that Westwood can be a madhouse but it looked like they could get a mini suite at the Royal Palace for a good price. Also good to walk around in the evening for dining options. I still favor the Brentwood Inn but thought the Royal Palace might be worth checking out.

I've heard some people say that the bridge rebuilding hasn't been a problem for getting on and off at Sunset. I've driven by an couple of times recently but honestly didn't pay much attention. Plus the OP is coming next April so hopefully the construction situation will be better then. Not sure when the project is supposed to be complete.

Thanks again. Checked out Le Parc but at $329 a night it is out of my budget range. We are big walkers so don't mind mind a mile walk to find a spot to eat. You all have given me lots to think about!

cnewsplaces-I don't think you'd want to walk far along Sunset Blvd. There are a few sidewalks but not all the way and it is a very busy 4 lane road. You might be able to use a side street but again there are not always sidewalks. Just know if you stay at The Brentwood Inn, you will need to drive to get most of your meals.

HI cnew----the B&B rate at Le Parc, including free parking *and* brkfst is only $239. Call and ask them if it is available for your nights. It almost invariably is, when you ask......

The Le Parc price looks good but I think the OP needs to figure out her itinerary at least a little bit. If she is spending most of her time on the West Side, Pasadena or the Valley, she is going to be doing a lot more driving if she stays in West Hollywood.

However, she did say that they are big walkers and WeHo, Beverly Hills and SM are the only areas where walking anyplace you want to go is even possible.

Whenever we stay at Le Parc, we always go to a salon in Venice to get haircuts. That is a hike, but w/o heavy traffic, we make it in ~30 min--admittedly 45 when traffic *is* heavy.

We actually find the Le Parc to be pretty centrally located, depending on where you are going. Of the places she mentioned it is close to the museums, Hollywood and not too far to the studio lots. It is also only a ~10 min. trip to the Grove and the Farmers Market. Even if you are not a shopper, those are fun places to go.

"Big walkers" would have absolutely no trouble walking along Sunset Boulevard from the Brentwood Inn to the village of Brentwood which begins (on the west side) at Sunset Boulevard and Barrington Avenue. Sidewalks all the way, about 1/2 mile, several dining options including one of my favorite Italian restaurants in L.A., Peppone's. If you decide to drive, there is parking on Barrington Court. You'll want a good map of this area because the streets are all off-grid.

"Big walkers" could also walk south on Bundy Drive from the Brentwood Inn to San Vicente Boulevard to the other commercial area of Brentwood. Sidewalks all the way, at least a mile one way, but fewer dining options.

Isn't Bundy Drive the street where Nicole Simpson lived? Where O.J. killed her?

If you like to walk, I'd suggest a place nearer the beach, because you can walk forever up and down the beach walks. My son did a fundraiser skateboard event, and I think they went from Santa Monica pier down to Hermosa Beach.

Jean-Looked at the satellite map and there are sidewalks heading east on Sunset, looks like it's as you head west that there are not sidewalks or it's sporadic for them. Also thanks about the tip for Barrington Court parking. I am always looking for parking when I am that area.

In doing more research, I found what I think is a great rental in West Hollywood. Near Fountain and N. La Brea. One block from Jones. Is this a good neighborhood. It includes parking, sleeps 3, has a kitchen and has gotten great reviews from previous renters. For the week, it looks to be about $875 and they have a parking space. Thoughts from you locals. Promise if you head east to DC or NYC, I'll offer you loads of advice.

One block from Jones?? What's that? Do you mean June St.? That rental sounds like it's either at the eastern-most edge of WEHO, or actually in Hollywood. I'm personally not crazy about the area, combo druggie/artsy college drop outs who think they're going to get "discovered" or become a rock n roll star. At least I wouldn't be walking alone at night in that area, although I would certainly walk around there in a group. I do have friends how have, in the past, lived in that area. High police patrol, but that includes the helicopters shining bright lights down in people's backyards.

I do know that WeHo has a good side and a not-so-good side. The hotel I told you about is in a lovely residential neighborhood on the good side. I will ask DS and DDIL who live in WeHo about that rental location, but could you verify the street name?